Island Life Magazine Ltd October/November 2010 | Page 82

Tony Ridd with the latest countryside news local countryside country life Compiled by TONY RIDD DO YOU HAVE A COUNTRYSIDE STORY? CALL TONY ON 07966 292334 Island Life - October/November 2010 what to look out for... Wood Pigeon We are used to seeing the wood pigeon all year round, but come October, large numbers of birds migrate from north and eastern Europe to our shores. It is possible to see flocks of 1000 birds together! There numbers have increased over the last few years and are just as happy in your garden as they are in the woods. back to nature A countrymans diary For someone who spends most of his days working outside, the last couple of months have been a little novel to me, not to say frustrating. Having had the op on my shoulder, I was under strict instructions from my surgeon not to mess up his handy work. I admit, the being, ‘waited on’, for six weeks and, a ‘cast iron’ excuse for getting out of the washing up, meant there was a good side to my ailment. But, being outside is my drug and I have suffered a little from withdrawal symptoms, because of it. With time on my side, it has allowed me to enjoy the countryside on my doorstep and walk footpaths I haven’t used in a long time –Coba, my four legged, faithful companion, is looking forward to me going back to work so that she can put her feet up! I have enjoyed, simply looking and watching the wildlife around me and appreciate just how important our countryside is for supporting a vast wealth of nature that we have on the island. Even at home I’ve had time to look at our hedgerows more closely, in doing so I discovered a wasps nest in exactly the same spot as we had one three years ago, it was the same size as well! Whilst sitting quietly, I’ve had little owls land feet away from me and seen stoats playing nearby. I’m still a few weeks away from being ‘allowed’ back to full-time play, however, I have a renewed optimism about our countryside and I’m very much looking forward to our busy winter-season work ahead. [email protected] 82 Visit our new website - www.visitislandlife.com